Swaying While Reciting

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Question: What is the ruling on some people who sway from right to left and backwards and forwards while reciting the Qur’an? Please advise, may Allah reward you.(Part No. 3; Page No. 122)

Answer: Swaying while reciting the Qur’an is one of the habits that should be abandoned. It contradicts the etiquettes required when reciting the Qur’an. When reciting or listening to the Qur’an, a person should listen carefully and not play with things so that the listener and the reciter ponder over the meanings of the Qur’an and their hearts be submissive to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). Scholars mentioned that this is one of the habits of the Jews when reciting their Book, and we are forbidden to imitate them.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.